While about 1/4 of land in Michigan is public, over 300,000 acres of federal, state, and local public land in the upper Midwest is made inaccessible by the private land that surrounds it. We believe that everyone should have access to nature and the opportunity to enjoy time outside. These spaces offer a chance to disconnect from our busy lives and reconnect with nature and ourselves.
GO•REC is open to the public as a basecamp for adventure to the beautiful woods and waters of Traverse City and northern Michigan. We provide lodging where everyone can launch onto the Boardman River Trail, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, or the State Forest. Find us a family-friendly rustic location to kick back at the campfire with s’mores and a local micro-brew.
Like over 47% of nonprofits, GO•REC supports our mission through fees and services. Consistent with our mission as a gateway to outdoor recreation, we offer cabins, mini-cabins, Tentsiles, campsites, and adirondacks to explore the outdoors and support education. Your stay supports outdoor education, leadership skills, and recreational safety for adults, families, and our communities. Thank you!
Terms & Conditions
Holiday and Season Rates Apply. Prices subject to change. If you cancel at least 3 days before your check in day and time, you’ll receive a full refund (minus fees). If you cancel within the 3 days before check in, there will be no refund.
Rent a Cabin
Four season, dorm-style rooms with 10 bunks to sleep up to 20. Electricity, heat, modern bathrooms, showers, kitchenette, freezer, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.
Rent a Mini-Cabin
Simple huts small enough to sleep up to 4 people in bunks. Electricity and a short walk from shower house with ceramic toilet, screened common area, and refrigerators. Renters also have access to running water, picnic table, and a community fire pit.
Rent a Tentsile
No tent? No problem. An Instagram worthy night in the air! Individual campsites equipped with a tent floating between the trees. Access to running water, restrooms, shower house!
Rent a Campsite
Bring your own tent — we offer multiple campsites for up to 4 people. A short walk from parking. Individual campsites provide each camper with tent space, fire pit, and picnic table. In each loop campers also have access to running water, pit toilet, and a community fire pit. Campground also offers ceramic toilets and showers with hot water.
Rent an Adirondack
Open shelters with bunks for up to 6. Access to hand-pump water well, two outhouses, and a pavilion with grill.
Potable Drinking Water. Hot Showers Available. Limited ADA Accessibility.
Pets Allowed on Leash. Swim at Your Own Risk. Limited WiFi Available.
Looking for Event Space?
We can host your group, meeting, wedding, or special occasion in our event spaces nestled in the Forest Lakes of the Grand Traverse region. Lakeside woodland surround our amenities. Besser Lodge overlooks the shoreline and upward to the green canopy. Nestled between the evergreens our Firebowl Amphitheater seats 300 guests. If needed, our facilities provide overnight stays in the outdoors of Northern Michigan.
Things to Do Outside Nearby
Northwestern Michigan has no shortage of natural outdoor spaces. GO•REC borders two public land spaces and three public lakes. We’re two miles from the North Country Trail and an hour drive from lower Michigan’s national lakeshore. National, state, county, and city public recreational spaces include…
Places to Visit Nearby
Traverse City is the largest town in Northwestern Michigan and offers a rich community of resources. Oriented toward the Grand Traverse Bay, the Cherry Capital Region includes access and support to cultural and natural points of interest that include…
